The
German Defence Company Rheinmettal Defence an expert in air defence weapon
systems presents the air defence system Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM
at AUSA 2011. The system is designed to defend high-value civilian or
military assets from RAM attacks, whether in high-intensity combat scenarios
or in “military operations other than war” (MOOTW). The system
can also be used for protecting critical infrastructure or targets with
a high symbolic value from terrorists and insurgents employing unorthodox
tactics.

The Oerlikon Skyshield® in MOOTW/C-RAM configuration is tracking
an incoming RAM threat

The
Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system depends on Ahead airburst technology available
in various configurations, the 35mm revolver gun is suitable for multiple
applications. This state-of-the-art system can operate in a conventional
antiaircraft role or be used for protecting military and civilian assets
from RAM threats, and is also highly effective in a naval context: known
as the Millennium Gun, it is already in service with two navies.

Highly sophisticated yet extremely robust, this state-of-the-art system
combines permanent airspace surveillance, automated detection and tracking
of very small targets, prior warning of areas under threat and the interception
and destruction of approaching RAM targets. Coupled with an Oerlikon Skymaster
command and control system in MOOTW configuration, the Oerlikon Skyshield
MOOTW/C-RAM System is entirely up to the task.

Each Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system initially consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster
command and control system in MOOTW configuration (man-machine interface
and high power computer system) for carrying out surveillance operations
and weapons assignment, which are largely automated; however, manual intervention
is possible at any time. Two data-fused sensor units, each equipped with
search radar, tracking radar and IR/TV trackers, ensure round-the-clock
airspace surveillance. They identify incoming RAM projectiles or other
threats, and control the fire unit of up to eight Oerlikon Revolver Guns
C-RAM. Using two sensor units ensures complete coverage of the engagement
zone and provides necessary redundancy for 24/7 operations. It also increases
the system’s ability to cope with saturation attacks as well as
its overall readiness and reliability. The number of Oerlikon Revolver
Guns C-RAM depends on the size of the area to be defended. Besides RAM
projectiles, they are capable of defeating unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise
missiles, guided missiles, smart bombs as well as fixed wing and rotary
aircraft.
Instantly and automatically, the Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is thus
able to neutralize a wide variety of threats. It calculates the incoming
projectile’s point of impact (POI) and warns personnel in the threatened
zone. Advanced fire control technology results in optimum, precisely timed
target-assignment and interception. In addition, by determining the type
of weapon used and its point of origin (POO), the system enables a counterattack.
This rapidly deployable air defence system can be airlifted for round-the-clock,
round-the-globe protection of vital assets. Owing to the high level of
automation, the system’s personnel requirements are negligible.